Man convicted for dressing up as Christ

A man from Zejtun was given a suspended jail term after admitting to dressing up as Jesus Christ during carnival celebrations in Nadur on February 21.

Melvin Barbara, 26, faced a six-month jail term after being charged with belittling the Roman Catholic Church and causing offence to Roman Catholics or the ministers of this religion.

His lawyer, Angele Formosa, argued in a Gozo court yesterday that her client did not form part of a group who had caused offence by dressing up as Jesus and the Disciples.

In submissions on punishment, Dr Formosa said Mr Barbara had no intention of harming the religion, adding he had become a victim of the media.

The police produced pictures of Mr Barbara dressed up but not wearing a mask. Police Inspector Josric Mifsud told the court Mr Barbara offended the religion by dressing up as Christ, which was illegal.

Magistrate Anthony Ellul handed down a one-month jail term suspended for 18 months.

Police Inspector Frank Tabone prosecuted.